Page 91 of Fatal Vision

The noise of conversation dropped a notch. “Daddy, don’t make a scene. I need a break and Colton is going to take me to check on Connor and Sabrina. We’ll be back shortly.”

His hand didn’t release. “Over my dead body.”

Shelby flinched. She’d been close to death a couple times now. The saying grated on her nerves. “I hope that doesn’t happen any time soon.” She lowered her voice and laid her hand over his. “But outside of you and Mom, there is no one in this world I trust more than Colton. I’m a grown woman, and while I love you with all of my heart, if you don’t take your hand off my walker, I will make a scene in front of your parishioners they won’t soon forget.”

She gave his hand a pinch for emphasis.

He must have seen the determination in her face. He released her walker, but he didn’t back off. “That man is the reason we’re in this situation.”

“We’renot in a situation.Iam. And the only way I’m going to figure it out is if you let me do my job. That job involves Colton.”

The gray-haired man stepped forward, extending a hand to her father. “I’m Zeb and this is Nickelback. We’re from Rock Star Security. Colton’s asked us to help him keep an eye on your daughter here. I assure you, she’s in good hands.”

Her dad shook hands with him, but Shelby had the feeling it was because so many people were watching, not because he really wanted to. “Like I told Colton, we take care of our own. Shelby’s coming home with her mom and me.”

“Right now, I’m going to the OR waiting room to see Connor,” she said, starting for the door. “I want to see if there’s any news on Sabrina.”

Jaya stepped up and joined her, squaring off across from Jack. Denbe stood behind Jaya.

“Don’t worry, Pastor C,” Jaya said, her gaze straying for a moment to Nickelback, then back to Shelby’s dad. “I’ve got this. Shelby needs to stretch her legs and so do I. Denbe—Agent Feldon—will go with us. The bodyguards can tag along too. You stay here and take care of your flock. We’ve got Shelby.”

Her father’s gaze darted between Colton, Jaya, Denbe, and Shelby, then landed on Zeb and Nickleback. “Fifteen minutes. I want her back in fifteen minutes.”

Shelby saw Colton biting the inside of his cheek. Sweat dotted his forehead. Zeb nodded. “You got it, sir.”

Her new entourage in place, Shelby lifted her chin and started for the door.